DIMAPUR, Feb 18: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) on Tuesday accused the Government of India of pursuing what it described as “Indian-state terrorism” and a “hegemonic geo-political ambition” in the Indo-Pacific region, alleging that recent developments in Manipur and Naga areas are part of a larger strategic design.

In a press statement issued by its Ministry of Alee Affairs (Foreign Affairs) and dated February 17, the NSCN (IM) said the prevailing situation in Manipur and elsewhere in Nagaland represents another phase of the Indian-state terrorism and a manifestation of its hegemonic geo-political ambition.”

The group alleged that the Indian state has been consistently and meticulously using the Kukis as part of a “master plan,” claiming that violence is being projected in a manner where Kukis are portrayed as victims and others as perpetrators.

The statement linked the Meitei-Kuki clashes, the construction of the German Road/Tiger Road in Naga areas, the burning of Naga houses in Ukhrul district, and alleged attacks on Nagas in Nagaland to what it termed a pretext to legitimise the creation of a “Kuki state” or “Kuki homeland.” According to the group, such developments form part of a “larger militaristic geo-political stratagem” of the Indian state.

Framing its allegations within global geopolitical theory, the NSCN (IM) said India aspires to become a major international player and must therefore expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific “Rimland.” Quoting geopolitical thinker Nicholas John Spykman — “Who controls the Rimland rules Eurasia, who rules Eurasia controls the destinies of the world” — the group alleged that India’s Indo-Pacific pivot is being methodically implemented to consolidate strategic dominance.

It further claimed that India’s geopolitical aspirations are being driven by right-wing Hindu nationalist forces, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and linked New Delhi’s Act East policy and the Kaladan project connecting West Bengal, Myanmar, Manipur and Mizoram to what it described as a broader design to transform the sub-Himalayan and adjoining regions into a de facto military bastion.

Referring to the Indo-Naga political peace process initiated on August 1, 1997, the NSCN (IM) acknowledged milestones achieved under successive Prime Ministers, including the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué of July 11, 2002, and the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015. However, it alleged that the refusal to recognise the Naga national flag and constitution reflects a calculated agenda to create a new political geography where India’s authority remains unchallenged.

The group claimed that during the peace process there has been continued militarisation, mushrooming of factions in Nagalim, inter-community conflicts and alleged cross-border operations, including support to pro-India organisations in Myanmar.

Calling the resolution of the decades-old Indo-Naga political conflict an “acid test” for India and its leadership, the NSCN (IM) said the manner in which the 28-year peace process concludes — “either peacefully or otherwise” — will have implications for India’s future and its geopolitical ambitions.

Reiterating its position, the NSCN (IM) declared that Nagalim’s sovereignty, territory, national flag and national constitution are “non-negotiable,” and asserted that any final political agreement must recognise the “unique history” acknowledged in the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015.